If you want to buy a used car, you have to invest heavily. Prices for used cars have risen 10 to 20 percent compared to a year ago.
Little supply, a fast turnaround time and a lot of competition. The trade in used cars currently shows many similarities with the housing market. That drives up prices. The reason: the corona crisis.
Fewer new cars
“Whereas many manufacturers reduced the production of new cars at the start of the corona crisis because they expected less demand, the opposite happened. Because people had money left over when they could not go on holiday or to the catering industry, they had money for a The lower supply means higher prices,” says owner Bert den Rooijen of used car company Auto Zuyd in Sittard.
Search for three hours
Den Rooijen calls it a hectic time. “Both for purchasing and sales.” Where he used to be able to find three suitable used cars to buy in one hour, he now usually spends three hours looking for one car. “And then you pay a hefty price. Unfortunately, you have to pass that on to the customer.”
Overheated Market
This means that a second-hand car now quickly costs a thousand to two thousand euros more. Other car dealers in the province also notice this. Mohamed Ouahmar of Janssen-Kerres confirms the image of an overheated market. So he is very busy. Because many people work from home, there is also more time to visit the showroom in between. It is therefore busier throughout the day.
Search yourself
Searching the internet yourself can help you find a bargain. But Bert den Rooijen does advise to remain critical. “Precisely in a market like this, many lower quality cars also find a new owner. So if a car is really very cheap, ask yourself whether it has not been damaged before or whether the mileage has been tampered with. better pay a little more and not be surprised with hidden defects. Also look at the provider and ask yourself if you can go back there if something is not right.”